2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 206

206 Car care and technical information Flat spotting All tires get hot, especially on long journeys or when the car is driven hard. After the car has been parked with hot tires and the tires have cooled down, a flat spot can appear in the tire, where it is in contact with the ground. The same can occur if the car has not been moved for a long time. Flat spots can give rise to vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel, similar to that experienced when the wheels need balancing. Flat spots of this type disappear once the tires get hot again, usually after 10-15 miles (20-25 km) of driving at cruising speed. Air conditioning (A/C system) NOTE • The A/C system is designed for use with R134a refrigerant. • Refrigerant handling requires special equipment and special procedures for charging and draining the system. • All repairs and adjustments on the A/C system must be carried out by a Saab dealer authorized for this kind of work. • Never mix R134a and R12 refrigerants. Fault diagnosis If a fault occurs in the A/C system, there are a number of checks you can perform yourself. If the fault persists, however, have the system checked by an authorized Saab dealer. Important! When the A/C system is running, the intake air is dehumidified, and the resultant condensation is drained off through two outlets underneath the floor of the car in the vicinity of the front doors. It is therefore perfectly normal for water to be seen dripping from these outlets when the car is parked. The warmer the ambient air and the higher the humidity, the greater will be the amount of condensation formed. Inadequate cooling: a Make sure that the temperature and air-distribution controls are in the appropriate settings. b Check that the condenser (forward of the radiator) has not become clogged with dirt and insects. c Make sure that the drive belt for the compressor is not slipping. d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans and compressor. WARNING • The A/C system is pressurized. Do not break any connections or undo A/C system components. • Escaping gas can cause blindness or other injury.